Fresh off the region’s first significant snowfall of the season and with more imminent, The Ticker explores the winter sports scene in the county, including a bit of skiing, tubing, and some new activities at area wineries.

Significant gravity-assisted fun (and iconic views of Lake Michigan) can of course be found at Glen Arbor’s The Homestead, where -- according to their web site -- a December 16 opening is possible if Mother Nature delivers cold temperatures and lots of snow. The resort has 15 downhill runs for skiers and snowboarders, which are served by three chairlifts, a magic carpet, and a rope tow.

New for the 2022-23 season, The Homestead has completed a series of improvements to its snowmaking, grooming, lighting, and lifts. The upgrades are the culmination of a three-year plan to enhance safety and comfort for guests and staff alike. New snowmaking guns, lift controls and safety systems, and rebuilt chairlift seats will create an elevated downhill experience. “Our guests want – and deserve – the best of everything,” says Bob Kuras, president of The Homestead.

Guests will see off-slope upgrades as well, with expanded grocery and ready-to-eat selections available at Cavanaugh’s; and family-friendly features at Whisker’s indoor/outdoor bar and grill.

Timberlee is Michigan’s largest no-lane snow tubing hill, and Owners Mike and Kelsey Zaryczny are planning feverishly for another big year. Expect an announcement on opening day closer to Christmas. The couple purchased the hill in 2017, and are gearing up for another very busy season: Last year close to 20,000 tubers zoomed down the hill.

The Timberlee experience also includes a lodge with a full-service kitchen, pizza, hot cocoa, adult beverages, and outdoor fire pits. “We’re hoping to do glow tubing again this year on a couple of select dates,” says Kelsey Zaryczny. “Those will be announced when we’re sure we have staffing and snow in place.”  

With their gorgeous landscapes and rolling terrain, some Leelanau wineries are also creating snow sports opportunities to complement their tasting rooms. 

Kristi Brown, director of event sales at Aurora Cellars, tells The Ticker that snowshoeing was a popular addition last year, and is returning for the 2022-23 season. The winery offers two groomed trails through the vines. Self-guided snowshoeing is free and open to the public during business hours. Snowshoers can choose the .53-mile Cellar Trail, the 1.2-mile Estate Trail, or combine both in a big loop. 

All ages are welcome to enjoy the snowshoeing trails (sorry, no dogs), and hikers can re-charge in Aurora Cellar’s outdoor igloos with charcuterie, snacks, and wine, as well as kid-friendly beverages.

45 North Vineyard & Winery is the site of the 45 North Vineyard Trail, a 3-mile, all seasons recreational trail that covers a variety of terrain - from gentle slopes to challenging uphill climbs. Those who make it to the top vineyard are rewarded with a beautiful Leelanau view. 

During the winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing. “You can definitely get your heart pumping if you want to, or you can take it easy,” says Director of Operations Alanna Grossnickle. “There are a couple of different loops that are more advanced with more of an incline. But there’s plenty of lower lying land that is much easier for families.”

Guests are welcome to bring their own equipment, but nearby Suttons Bay Bikes offers a full lineup of rental gear for winter adventures throughout Leelanau, including fat bikes, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. Suttons Bay Bikes is also in its tenth year of offering self-guided and guided tours of some of Leelanau’s most picturesque destinations. 

“We have a guided Vine to Wine snowshoe tour that goes between Ciccone Vineyards and Suttons Bay Ciders,” says Sales Manager Keith Conway. “During the holidays and most weekends, we are at Black Star Farms renting snowshoes. So people can go directly there to rent from us, and Black Star Farms has marked trails from one to five miles.” 

The shop has also seen the rise in popularity of fat tire bikes, which are designed to handle the snow and are a novelty to visitors from downstate and warmer climates. Conway’s big bet for the 2022-23 season? Ice skates.

“We really doubled down on ice skates this year. Many people don’t know this, but right here in Suttons Bay and Leland, there are lighted skating rinks that are really nice.”

In Suttons Bay, skaters can visit Ice Rink Park at the corner of Broadway and Lincoln Streets. In Leland, Hancock Field is home to a donor-funded, volunteer-run rink.